Inferior Bronchial Branch of Aorta
Ramus bronchialis inferioris aortae
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Descending thoracic aorta.
Course: Along the left tracheobronchial tree.
Branches: Esophageal branch.
Supplied Structures: Trachea, left bronchus, lung parenchyma, lymph nodes, visceral pleura.
Origin
The inferior bronchial artery arises from the descending thoracic aorta.
Course
From its origin, the inferior bronchial branch travels to the posterior surface of the left main bronchus, travels along its surface following the same branching pattern as the left bronchial tree. It terminates around the level of the respiratory bronchioles.
It is important to note that bronchial vessels are a part of the systemic circulation, not the pulmonary circulation. They are not involved in the gas exchange that takes place at the alveoli between the blood and inspired air, although some distal bronchial vessels do anastomose with pulmonary vessels.
Branches
The inferior branch may provide an esophageal branch that supplies the esophagus.
Supplied Structures
The inferior bronchial branch provides an arterial supply to the structures of the left bronchial tree, as well as the distal trachea, adjoining lymph nodes, and visceral pleura.
